Overview
Systemic arterial hypertension (commonly referred to as high blood pressure) is a chronic medical condition characterized by persistently elevated pressure in the arteries. In Korea, hypertension is one of the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors, affecting approximately one in three adults. It significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and other health issues. Early diagnosis and proper management are essential to prevent complications and maintain a healthy life.
What is Systemic Arterial Hypertension?
Systemic arterial hypertension is defined as a consistent increase in systolic blood pressure (≥140 mmHg) and/or diastolic blood pressure (≥90 mmHg). It can be classified as either primary (essential) hypertension—without a known cause—or secondary hypertension—due to an identifiable underlying condition such as kidney disease or hormonal disorders.
Blood pressure is typically expressed as two numbers (e.g., 140/90 mmHg):
- Systolic pressure: pressure when the heart beats
- Diastolic pressure: pressure when the heart rests between beats
Symptoms
Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms until complications develop. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Nosebleeds
- Fatigue
- Chest pain or shortness of breath (in severe cases)
Causes
Most cases of hypertension are primary, meaning no specific cause is identified. However, known contributors and secondary causes include:
- High salt intake
- Obesity
- Lack of physical activity
- Chronic kidney disease
- Endocrine disorders (e.g., hyperthyroidism, pheochromocytoma)
- Sleep apnea
- Certain medications (e.g., oral contraceptives, NSAIDs)
Risk Factors
- Family history of hypertension
- Age (more common in people over 40)
- Obesity or overweight
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- High sodium or processed food intake
- Stress
- Chronic conditions like diabetes or kidney disease
Complications
Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to serious, even fatal complications:
- Heart attack and heart failure
- Stroke and transient ischemic attacks
- Kidney damage or failure
- Vision loss (hypertensive retinopathy)
- Aneurysms
- Cognitive impairment and dementia
Prevention
Preventive strategies include:
- Reducing salt and fat intake
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Engaging in regular aerobic exercise
- Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol
- Managing stress effectively
- Regular blood pressure checks
- Managing related conditions like diabetes or cholesterol disorders
Treatment Options in Korea
South Korea offers comprehensive hypertension management through government health initiatives and advanced medical facilities. The Korean Hypertension Society (KSH) provides clinical guidelines for early detection and effective treatment.
Diagnosis
- Routine blood pressure measurements
- Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM)
- Lab tests (to check kidney function, cholesterol, blood glucose)
- ECG or echocardiogram (to assess heart function)
Medical Treatment
- Lifestyle changes: First-line recommendation for mild cases
- Antihypertensive medications:
- ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril)
- ARBs (e.g., losartan)
- Calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine)
- Diuretics
- Beta-blockers (e.g., bisoprolol)
- Treatment is personalized based on age, comorbidities, and response to medication.
Monitoring and Support
- Regular follow-ups with primary care doctors or cardiologists
- Home blood pressure monitoring
- Digital health apps and wearable devices for real-time tracking
- National screening programs by Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA)
